In association with
2020 WINNERS
Buy-to-let. Hello Landbay Free valuation with our Limited Edition range • Free title indemnity insurance on qualifying remortgages • Instant Decision in Principle • New Builds, HMOs & MUFBs • Student lets accepted
2020
Call our team on 020 7096 2700 Landbay.co.uk
WINNERS
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EDITORIAL
COMMENT Publishing Director Robyn Hall Robyn@mortgageintroducer.com @RobynHall Publishing Editor Ryan Fowler Ryan@mortgageintroducer.com Editor Jessica Bird jessicsb@sfintroducer.com Deputy Editor Jessica Nangle Jessica@mortgageintroducer.com Deputy News Editor Jake Carter Jake@mortgageintroducer.com Editorial Director Nia Williams Nia@mortgageintroducer.com Commercial Director Matt Bond Matt@mortgageintroducer.com Advertising Sales Executive Tolu Akinnugba Tolu@mortgageintroducer.com Advertising Sales Executive Jordan Ashford Jordan@mortgageintroducer.com Campaign Manager Victoria Hubbard victoria@mortgageintroducer.com Production Editor Felix Blakeston Felix@mortgageintroducer.com Head of Marketing Robyn Ashman RobynA@mortgageintroducer.com Printed by The Magazine Printing Company, using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers www.magprint.co.uk
MORTGAGE
INTRODUCER
An event like no other…
I
t goes without saying that I would have liked my first SFI Awards as editor to have been a chance to meet with key industry players and celebrate the successeses of the year together in person – over drinks and nibbles, of course. But nothing in 2020 has quite gone to plan, and it looks like I will have to wait quite some time before I can shake anyone’s hand in congratulation. When it became clear that there was not going to be a miraculous end to the COVID-19 crisis, this might have spelled disaster for our awards, but instead the team leapt into action and set about creating an exciting, star-studded event that made it feel like we were all celebrating together, even from our own homes. From Robyn Hall’s virtual bartending prowess, through to guest appearances by high-profile Specialist Finance Introducer readers The Hoff and Charlie Sheen, and even a 2020 icon, Carole Baskin, we were all smiling from start to finish. Twitter, meanwhile, was alight with proof that socially distanced celebration was happening in many places; the best dressed award – a £200 Deliveroo voucher – went to Steven Bailey from LandBay, who pulled out all the stops and celebrated in style, and a tux! The awards saw a fantastic turnout in the end, from receiving more than 1,000 nominations and over 20,000 votes, right through to upwards of 600 people watching the virtual event – so far. If you missed all the fun at the time, never fear, the video is still available for you to catch up with on the Mortgage Introducer YouTube channel. This event shone a bright light, not only on the impressive work being done by key industry players – as it does every year – but also on the ever-increasing importance of the specialist market during an acutely difficult time. So, to our 110 finalists and 28 award winners this year, congratulations once again – hopefully next year, I will be able to say it in person.
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www.sfintroducer.com
Contents 4 Buy-to-Let Lender of the Year 5 Commercial Lender of the Year 7 Bridging Lender of the Year 9 Development Finance Lender of the Year 11 Secured Loan Lender of the Year 13 Bridging Distributor of the Year 15 Secured Loan Distributor of the Year 16 Commercial Distributor of the Year 17 Conveyancer of the Year 19 Best Legal Firm of the Year 20 Surveyor of the Year 21 Insurance Provider of the Year 22 Product Innovation of the Year 26 Best Use of Technology 27 Best Use of Marketing 29 Specialist Finance Broker of the Year 31 Best Broker: Bridging 32 Best Broker: Buy-to-Let 33 Best Broker: Development Finance 35 Best Broker: Commercial 37 Best Broker: Secured Loans 39 Sole Trader of the Year 41 London Broker of the Year 42 Best Newcomer Individual or Firm 43 BDM of the Year 44 Public Speaker of the Year 45 Service to the Industry 46 Specialist Finance Business of the Year
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SFI AWARDS 2020 MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
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WINNER Buy-to-Let Lender of the Year
Kent Reliance
Adrian Moloney, group sales director, OneSavings Bank, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
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I’m absolutely thrilled to accept this specialist Buy-to-Let Lender of the Year award on behalf of the hardworking teams at Kent Reliance for Intermediaries. I’d also like to thank everyone who voted for us within this category, as your support and confidence really means a lot.”
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Commercial Lender of the Year
HTB
Charles McDowell, managing director, specialist mortgages, HTB, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
It’s an honour to be awarded Commercial Lender of the Year this year in this highly competitive category, and it is testament to the fabulous work our teams across HTB do to deliver consistently great service to broker partners and their clients. Thank you to all who voted for HTB.”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNERS Bridging Lender of the Year (Tied Award)
Precise Mortgages United Trust Bank
Alan Cleary, group managing director, mortgages, OneSavings Bank, said:
“
Despite 2020 being a challenging and unpredictable year, we’ve continued to champion the specialist lending market and I’m very proud that our efforts have been recognised with these prestigious awards.”
www.sfintroducer.com
Gavin Diamond, commercial director – bridging, United Trust Bank, said:
“
I’m delighted that the industry has recognised the extraordinary efforts of UTB’s bridging team during a very challenging year. When COVID-19 struck, we kept lending. Even with 90% of our staff working from home, the bank made a commitment to make it as easy as possible for brokers to keep serving their customers. Against the odds UTB broke all-time records for new enquiries and loan payouts, a fantastic achievement at any time, but one we’re particularly proud of in the midst of a pandemic.” SFI AWARDS 2020
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CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Development Finance Lender of the Year
OneSavings Bank
Adrian Moloney, group sales director, OneSavings Bank, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
We are delighted to win this award. We’d like to thank everyone and the judging panel for voting for us. Thank you!”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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Legal partners to the lending industry Bespoke services catering to your specific requirements
AWARD WINNING LEGAL SERVICES FOR LENDERS
lightfoots.co.uk
01844 212305
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Secured Loan Lender of the Year
United Trust Bank
Buster Tolfree, commercial director, mortgages, United Trust Bank, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
UTB’s mortgage team pulled out all the stops this year to help brokers write business when many other lenders were pulling down the shutters. Despite having most people working from home, we developed new products, enhanced our criteria and implemented fintech to give brokers greater options. I’m extremely proud of the way UTB has confronted the coronavirus crisis. The team thoroughly deserves this award and recognition.” SFI AWARDS 2020
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
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Movin Legal... Service built around you
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Bridging Distributor of the Year
Brightstar Financial
Bradley Moore, managing director, Brightstar Hub, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
We are honoured to have won this award for the fifth consecutive year – to win it every year since the SFI Awards launched is testament to the amazing team we have back at HQ, who provide consistently high and market leading service. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Secured Loan Distributor of the Year
Brightstar Financial
Stewart Simpson, second charge mortgage specialist, Brightstar Hub, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
To win this award in 2019 was a great achievement for our team, so to defend this award this year is even better! With strong competition, we are delighted to collect this award and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us. Well done to everyone who was nominated and to all the winners this year.�
SFI AWARDS 2020
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WINNER Commercial Distributor of the Year
Brightstar Financial
Hisham Elabaire, commercial finance specialist, Brightstar Hub, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
“
This is the second time we have collected this award, and helps us to complete a trio of distributor wins at this year’s SFI Awards. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who nominated and then voted for us. In a strongly competitive field, it is a proud moment for our team to win this!”
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Conveyancer of the Year
Lightfoots
Joe Middleton, partner in charge, Lightfoots, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
We are delighted to have won this award for the third year running. In a thriving sector where competition is at such a high standard it’s a very proud moment for everyone at Lightfoots and demonstrates our continued success and service over the past few years. I’d like to thank our truly outstanding team for the tireless efforts they go to for all of our clients, and the reason why the industry recognises us as the go to firm year-on-year.” SFI AWARDS 2020
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Never doubt our commitment Magnet Capital have been supporting our brokers and clients throughout the Covid crisis. We didn’t stop lending. We didn’t change our criteria. We didn’t move the goalposts. Partners through good times and challenging times.
The development finance experts SFI awards 270x205.indd 1
020 8075 3255 hello@magnetcapital.co.uk www.magnetcapital.co.uk
02/11/2020 11:39
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Best Legal Firm of the Year
Movin’ Legal
John Ahmed, managing director, Movin’ Legal, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
11:39
“
The team at Movin’ Legal were delighted to win this prestigious accolade at the SFI Awards. It’s a testament to their hard work over what has undoubtedly been a challenging year. We would like to thank our intermediaries and the industry for their continued support during these unprecedented times.”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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WINNER Surveyor of the Year
Metropolis Collected by: Daniel Gardham, senior booking manager, Metropolis
Chris Bramham, commercial director. Metropolis, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
“
We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award for the second year in succession. This year in particular, as the nature of the landscape has changed, and we have all faced difficulties in how we work. This is for the team, our surveyors and all our clients!”
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Insurance Provider of the Year
L&G
Simon Hird, director, intermediary and broker, L&G Insurance, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
We’re delighted to have won the SFI award. This is excellent recognition of the work we have done on our SmartQuote proposition for Intermediaries, and all the hard work the team has been doing. We would like to thank all those who voted for us for your continued support.”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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Congratulations to this year’s winners. (P.S. If you didn’t win, get in touch. We can probably help.)
info@wpb.co.uk www.wpb.co.uk
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Product Innovation of the Year
Knowledge Bank
Nicola Firth, founder and director, Knowledge Bank, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
I’m so incredibly proud of our team for winning this award for product innovation. We pride ourselves on continuing to lead the way in the mortgage criteria search space and we were up against some formidable competition. Rest assured, we have much more innovation planned in 2021, so watch this space!”
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WINNER Best Use of Technology
Twenty7Tec
Collected by: Copper of Twenty7Tech
Niki Cooke, head of intermediary, Twenty7Tec, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
“
Everyone at Twenty7Tec is delighted to have received this award. We strive to innovate and deliver the best technology to the mortgage market, and this award recognises this. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.�
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Best Use of Marketing
MT Finance
Millie Dyson, head of marketing and communications, MT Finance
www.sfintroducer.com
“
I am beyond thrilled – not just to have won this award, particularly given the extraordinary strength of the category, but to have The Hoff announce the win has to be the epitome of a careerdefining moment. So, on behalf of the entire marketing team, thank you to those who voted for us – you made our year!”
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AWARDS
Thank you for voting for us, again! We’re proud to have been awarded as the Specialist Finance Business of the Year for the third year running, as well as the Best Bridging Lender in 2020.
Contact your local BDM FOR INTERMEDIARY USE ONLY.
0800 116 4385
precisemortgages.co.uk
Precise Mortgages is a trading name of Charter Court Financial Services Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register Firm Reference Number 494549). Registered in England and Wales (company number 06749498). Registered office: 2 Charter Court, Broadlands, Wolverhampton WV10 6TD.
01-PM-01 (2)
ar 3rd ye g! runnin
01-PM-01 (2)
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Specialist Finance Broker of the Year
Brightstar Financial
Bradley Moore, managing director, Brightstar Hub, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
This completes a set of six category wins at the 2020 awards! A huge thank you to everyone who nominated us, and then to everyone who voted for us, and the judges for choosing us as your winners. We are so incredibly proud of our team and everything they have achieved during the turbulent months of 2020 – well done to the SFI team for hosting an excellent online event, allowing the whole team to take part and enjoy the success live.” SFI AWARDS 2020
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HEAVY REFURB THAT’S EFFORTLESS. EVERY TIME
Our heavy refurb product is designed to help property investors and developers fund their renovation, with speed and minimum fuss. What’s more, we can also provide 100% of build costs in stages to keep costs down. With no early repayment charges or exit fees, MT Finance is here to provide your client’s funds in a matter of days.
0203 051 2331 www.mt-finance.com ShortTermHeavyRefurb-BridgingIntroducer-FPA-Oct20-v4.indd 1
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CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Best Broker: Bridging
Brightstar Financial
Jo Logan, short-term lending specialist, Brightstar Hub, said:
www.sfintroducer.com 12:59
“
Winning this award again in 2020 completes the hat-trick for us in this category, and a back-to-back win for the team! Our whole team would like to say a huge thank you to all of the clients, introducers, lenders and partners who work with us and support us – it is a huge team effort from everyone involved – well done and thank you!”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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WINNER Best Broker: Buy-to-Let
Dynamo
Ying Tan, founder and chief executive, Dynamo, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
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We’re honoured to have been named Best Broker: Buy-to-Let for 2020. After a year of widespread challenges for the industry, this award is all the more special to us and is a fantastic reward for everyone’s hard work and dedication. A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us.”
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Best Broker: Development Finance
Crystal Specialist Finance
Jason Berry, group sales and marketing director, Crystal Specialist Finance, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
Development finance is an area which has seen significant growth for us during the past 12 months. It is therefore great to see the hard work of our development team recognised. I know they continually seek to deliver creative and simple to understand solutions for what can often be complex circumstances. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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A tailored solution, whatever your development financing needs Senior loans from 3.95%, £8m plus
Stretched development loans up to 90% LTC, £8m upwards
Bridge loans from £1m to £25m; any asset type; fast turnaround
Senior | Stretched Senior | Bridging pluto-finance.com | 0207 4422 100 | info@pluto-finance.com
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CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Best Broker: Commercial
Crystal Specialist Finance
Jason Berry, group sales and marketing director, Crystal Specialist Finance, said:
www.sfintroducer.com 16:17
“
We are delighted to retain the Best Broker: Commercial award. Winning two years in a row is testament to the superior service we consistently provide to brokers, and also the expertise our team demonstrates in delivering excellent customer outcomes. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.�
SFI AWARDS 2020
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Bridging for the new normal Online portal accessible 24/7
Increased use of AVMs
Fully open for business
With you and your customers every step of the way Intermediaries only
bridging@masthaven.co.uk | masthaven.co.uk | 0207 036 2000
0
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Best Broker: Secured Loans
Brightstar Financial
Stewart Simpson, second charge mortgage specialist, Brightstar Hub said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
To complete the second charge double at the SFI Awards is no small achievement! A big thank you to everyone who nominated us and voted for us in this very strong category. Our team continues to strive to provide the best possible service to all our partners, and this award is the product of all that hard work! Thank you!�
SFI AWARDS 2020
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
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Need a straightforward approach for your Limited Company client? Solution Found.
Generous rental calculations, no maximum age, and accepting recently incorporated companies are just a few of the things we do to make limited company buy to let cases more straightforward. Call us today on
0344 770 8032
Š2019 Foundation Home Loans is a trading style of Paratus AMC Limited. Registered Office: No.5 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1WA. Registered in England with Company No. 03489004. Paratus AMC Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our registration number is 301128. Buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. No limit on portfolio size, subject to maximum borrowing of £3 million with Foundation Home Loans. Calls may be monitored and recorded.
foundationforintermediaries.co.uk
For intermediaries only
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Sole Trader of the Year Phil Mabb – BridgeDevelopment Finance
Phil Mabb, managing director, BridgeDevelopment Finance, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
I am delighted to have defended the title of Sole Trader of the Year against a very well respected peer group. Huge thanks to those that have supported me, Specialist Finance Introducer for hosting the virtual awards, the category sponsor MT Finance, and to the judges who saw fit to award me the title for the second year in a row.”
SFI AWARDS 2020
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
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Need a straightforward approach for your Limited Company client? Solution Found.
Generous rental calculations, no maximum age, and accepting recently incorporated companies are just a few of the things we do to make limited company buy to let cases more straightforward. Call us today on
0344 770 8032
Š2019 Foundation Home Loans is a trading style of Paratus AMC Limited. Registered Office: No.5 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1WA. Registered in England with Company No. 03489004. Paratus AMC Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our registration number is 301128. Buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. No limit on portfolio size, subject to maximum borrowing of £3 million with Foundation Home Loans. Calls may be monitored and recorded.
foundationforintermediaries.co.uk
For intermediaries only
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER London Broker of the Year
SPF Private Clients
SPF Private Clients said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
We are delighted to have won the London Broker of the Year accolade again this year. Although we have a national presence, our roots are in London, therefore it is great for our London team to be recognised. This award is testament to all the hard work and success they have achieved during these challenging times. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us, it is very much appreciated.� SFI AWARDS 2020
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WINNER Best Newcomer Individual or Firm
Kelly Rule, Vibe Finance
Kelly Rule, senior specialist adviser, Vibe Finance, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
“
I have been a broker now for the best part of a year, battling Brexit and coronavirus mortgage conditions has not been easy! But I can safely say I absolutely love it! I love helping my clients source better finance solutions, and I want to thank all of them for making my job so enjoyable – this award is for you!”
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER BDM of the Year
Beth Foryszewski, Landbay
Beth Foryszewski, business development manager, Landbay, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
Thank you so much for this award. It means a lot to have something so positive in a year that has lacked positivity. It is great to be rewarded for my hard work and dedication to my role. I have seen both sides to the benefits of having a great BDM and how it ultimately benefits the customer, which results in happy brokers and makes my job a pleasure.”
SFI AWARDS 2020
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WINNER Public Speaker of the Year
Paul Brett, Landbay
Paul Brett, managing director, intermediaries, Landbay, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
“
I’m extremely humbled to have won the award for Public Speaker of the Year 2020. Our industry has really pulled together during these challenging times, and I am very mindful of my place within it and the voice I have to be able to assist intermediaries with their own challenges. Thank you to all who voted.”
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
CATEGORY SPONSOR
WINNER Service to the Industry
Tony Salentino
Tony Salentino, retired director, Complete FS, said:
www.sfintroducer.com
“
I’m truly humbled and grateful to be recognised by the SFI Awards for Service to the Industry. However, these achievements are never accomplished singlehandedly. They are only possible if you have a great team around you. I wish to thank all my friends at Complete FS and all the networks, intermediaries and lenders that supported me for over 20 years. Stay safe, support each other and stick together.” SFI AWARDS 2020
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
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WINNER Specialist Finance Business of the Year
Precise Mortgages
Alan Cleary group managing director, mortgages, OneSavings Bank, said:
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SFI AWARDS 2020
“
Despite 2020 being a challenging and unpredictable year, we’ve continued to champion the specialist lending market. I’m very proud that our efforts have been recognised with these prestigious awards.”
MORTGAGE INTRODUCER
www.sfintroducer.com
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Buy-to-let. Hello Landbay Free valuation with our Limited Edition range • Free title indemnity insurance on qualifying remortgages • Instant Decision in Principle • New Builds, HMOs & MUFBs • Student lets accepted
Call our team on 020 7096 2700 Landbay.co.uk
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Buy-to-let. Hello Landbay Landbay has helped to provide 1000’s of homes for tenants in the last six years We wish you a very merry and safe Christmas
Call our team on 020 7096 2700 Landbay.co.uk
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